{"id":6866,"date":"2015-09-21T10:55:12","date_gmt":"2015-09-21T15:55:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senioradvisor.com\/blog\/?p=6866"},"modified":"2020-10-14T08:10:07","modified_gmt":"2020-10-14T13:10:07","slug":"canadas-supportive-housing-options-for-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/d30braiqprupoq.cloudfront.net\/blog\/2015\/09\/canadas-supportive-housing-options-for-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"Canada\u2019s Supportive Housing Options for Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Canada\u2019s Supportive Housing Options for Seniors\"Canada\u2019s<\/span><\/h1>\n

\u201cSupportive housing\u201d is a short phrase that covers a lot of ground. In general terms, supportive housing<\/strong> across Canada offers government-subsidized health and personal care services to residents living in housing that\u2019s often subsidized, wholly or in part, based on income. Supportive housing is open to Canadians who have care needs that can\u2019t be met at home, who don\u2019t need the level of services provided in a long-term care home, and who can\u2019t afford market rental rates for assisted-living housing. <\/span><\/p>\n

Who operates supportive housing?<\/h2>\n

According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), supportive housing can be built and operated by non-profit groups, private businesses, and the public sector. Within the non-profit category, supportive housing can be developed and run by private groups such as religious congregations, healthcare groups, municipal housing groups, and local housing corporations. If you\u2019re not sure what supportive housing options are available in your immediate area, you can call 311, your regional health authority, or your local community care access centre\u2014or\u00a0see the information below.<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes supportive housing different from living at home?<\/h2>\n

Supportive housing is similar in many ways to private assisted living. Residents have their own living quarters to preserve privacy and independence, and they are able to choose which support services they receive. Safety is the design focus in supportive housing to ensure wheelchair access and to prevent slips and falls. Residents also have 24-hour support available on call in case of a fall or sudden illness. There are rules that govern supportive housing providers, and providers must be licensed if they serve 4 or more clients.<\/span><\/p>\n

What forms does supportive housing take?<\/h2>\n

Supportive housing communities can be apartment towers, low-rise complexes, group homes or row homes that have been built or renovated to be accessible for residents with mobility challenges. Some supportive housing is offered in mixed developments that also include market-rate apartment units or condominiums for purchase. <\/span><\/p>\n

What do residents pay for in supportive housing, and how much do they pay?<\/h2>\n

Residents or their families must pay an accommodation charge that includes rent (usually RGI and subsidized) as well as any meals provided, building maintenance, and housecleaning services. They are also responsible for any optional services that they choose, like on-site nail and hair care, laundry service, and similar options. Residents either pay rent-geared-to-income (RGI) rates or pay rates set by their province\u2019s heath ministry. Care and support services are subsidized by insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Designated supportive housing charges are set by each province\u2019s ministry of health, and the rates are published on each agency\u2019s web site. For example, Alberta Health\u2019s 2015 rates for designated supportive care range from $1,554 per month for a standard room to $1,893 for a private room. Some residents may be eligible for senior or handicap benefits that reduce their out-of-pocket accommodation cost, and rates may be capped to comply with provincial rules that state how much income residents must have on hand for monthly personal expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n

What services may be provided to supportive housing residents?<\/h2>\n

Just as seniors can get help at home with tasks of daily living, medication management, nursing care, social work, and therapy for rehabilitation, residents in supportive housing may receive these services as well, depending on their needs. For example, Ontario Community Support Association members may cook meals, drop by or call to check on residents\u2019 wellbeing, help with exercises to maintain fitness and balance, offer emotional and social support, and help with errands. In British Columbia, the Seniors\u2019 Supportive Housing program includes weekly social events such as game nights, swimming, and films.<\/span><\/p>\n

When should you consider supportive housing?<\/h2>\n

Supportive housing is intended for seniors who:<\/span><\/p>\n